Zeron Fastners
ZERON 100 AFG (As-Forged Grade) Specification
Product Overview: Forging and Cost Efficiency
The term ZERON 100 AFG (As-Forged Grade) is often used to describe headed fasteners manufactured using the Solution Annealed (SA) grade's process capability. Unlike the FG grade, which requires costly machining from bar, AFG/SA bolts can be produced through forging followed by solution annealing. This results in a mechanically reliable but lower cost fastener.
These fasteners offer a yield and tensile strength lower than the strain-hardened FG material, but they maintain the full corrosion resistance of ZERON 100. This makes them suitable for flange connections where bolt corrosion is the primary concern, not extreme tensile load.
Comparative Manufacturing Methods
| Manufacturing Method | FG (Fastener Grade) | AFG (As-Forged Grade / SA) |
|---|---|---|
| Process Steps | Cold Working > Machining | Forging > Solution Annealing |
| Final Strength | Higher (ASTM A193 B7 equiv.) | Lower (Standard SA properties) |
| Cost Efficiency | Lower | Higher |
Primary Applications
AFG grade fasteners are specified in pipeline systems and flanged assemblies where the superior anti-corrosion properties of ZERON 100 are needed, but the cost must be minimized. The ability to manufacture these fasteners with traditional forging techniques makes this grade highly attractive for standard-load flange bolting in corrosive environments.
